Photography by Oscar Valencia, Dane Peterson and Thomas Lodin
This interview was originally published in Volume XV, January 2025
It’s been a while since we last checked in with Karina Rozunko, fresh off the video premiere of Haiku.
And since then we’ve sipped wine several times together in the French Basque Country. Whether it be during the filming of Enchanté, or most recently with the crown following her official coronation at the annual Queen Classic Surf Festival.
So on the eve of her latest video release Wink, we felt it was time for another chat….
Bonsoir Karina, how’s Indonesia treating you? Whereabouts are you right now?
I actually just got back from the Mentawais and Bali. Different world out there, back in California. Feels like the right place to land right now.
You seem to spend a large portion of your time there (Indonesia), what keeps bringing you back besides the waves?
I spent some years in Bali, but this last year, I’ve been reconnecting with California. Been traveling more from here, trying to keep it close to home. I do however find myself catching a flight back to Indo every few months. The culture, the people, the waves—nothing else quite compares. It’s like a rhythm you can’t escape. Unmatched, really.
You recently went on a July wetsuits trip to Japan. Culturally, Did you find there to be any similarities between there and Indonesia?
You know, I’ve been to Japan a handful of times now, and I would say both places have a very strong spiritual essence, with deep respect not only for others but also for nature.
And Malibu is home? Whereabouts did you grow up?
I grew up in San Clemente .
Home ? Well, that is pending right now…
You recently returned from your second trip to France, and crowned the winner of the Queens festival. Have you ever surfed another event like it? What are the biggest positives of an event like the Queens festival for you?
The Queen’s Festival, it’s radical, it’s inclusive it really brings together a whole cool scene. A lot of other events could learn something from that. They’re doing it right, bringing people together, no barriers, just pure energy.
It’s not just an event, it’s a space where people come together, no labels, no judgments. It’s about inclusion. It’s shaping the future, giving the next generation the energy to change things. It’s raw, it’s necessary.
How do you find the set ups and waves in France compared to other parts of the world you’ve visited?
Yeah, France—besides the waves, it’s got a lot of charm. If you’re lucky to catch it right, that’s a bonus. The tides play a role. Honestly, I prefer beach breaks, so I vibe with that coastline.
On your first trip you stuck around after and filmed with friends for ‘Enchanté’ where you were blessed with great weather and fun waves. How did that idea come about? Was that something which you had planned beforehand or just stuck around because of the forecast?
It wasn’t calculated it just fell together. A group of us were heading to France, and we love Robin and his work. We just kind of met there. Tried to vogue out a bit, get some clips. No big plan just went with the flow.
What’s in your board bag for a month trip to France these days?
My board bag is different every trip. I usually pack a Thomas Log high heel, or a Dane Peterson Peto Pig. Got a mid-length by Nick Melanson in there too. Whatever feels right for the ride.
Can you tell us about your upcoming film you’ve been working on? Any conceptual stuff you can share, where have you have been shooting etc.
All this came together under Oscar’s hand, his vision. Been going back and forth with the edit and working with a friend doing some music for the film. We have waves from both France and Indo. A little montage.
Your video projects have always had more than just surfing in them… Was shooting in the Spanish desert something you had envisaged before this trip to Europe?
I was sick those first weeks, just kind of drifting along, letting the trip happen to me. Didn’t have much choice, I guess. But the desert had a way of sticking with me. I’d stay there longer if I could
You released your last film ‘HAIKU’ with Vans just over a year ago. It featured your friends heavily throughout, will this video project be the same?
Oh yeah not just me for this one.
Are you a perfectionist when it comes to putting out content? Do you struggle to put a project to bed / Have it ready for viewing?
When I have an idea of what I want. But can’t make it real, when it doesn’t come to life the way I see it, I can’t stand being tied to it. I need what I put out there to be true, to feel like it’s really me. That’s the fight. Especially when it’s outta my hands.
Can you tell us about the people who influence you – in the water? Out of the water?
I dunno, I guess I’m influenced by the waking world, Not by any one person really. But if I had to say, it’s probably the older people I see out and about. They’ve been through life longer, they get it. They’re classic. Not caring what anyone thinks. You see them wearing those monochrome outfits, usually with a little dog. There’s some flair about that I like.
What keeps you busy when you’re not surfing?
Lately in my free time I have been reading books, writing and playing with pastels in the sun, mostly in a park.
Can you tell us a little bit about your brand Noise Shop?
Being in Bali I guess it just made sense. I worked with local artisans making purses and jewellery. Things I could wear and that I liked . I just wanted to create, no big plan and I wanted to share it. But the thing is I’m not ready for it. I’m not looking to push it, sell it, or force it into something it’s not. If it works, it works, but I’m not in any hurry. It’s more about the process, the moment, the creation. Everything else is just noise.
Besides the release of this new video, what have you got planned for 2025?
I don’t know what I’m doing for 2025… (laughs)
